Lynna Clark

By Lynna Clark

Did you have a good Thanksgiving? I sure hope so. For me it was bittersweet without my Beloved. David was always the main cook and the rest of us just contributed a side dish or dessert. This year all three of our daughters were able to be here with their husbands, plus three of our grandkids. To say the house was full is surely an understatement. Apparently everyone thought there wouldn’t be enough to eat, so each cook prepared extra. The guys fried two turkeys, because why not? When we surveyed the crowd ahead of time, pumpkin pie was named as the favorite dessert. So of course I made four. Then Stephanie and Shane tried out new dessert recipes so we’d have a little variety. She made a fabulous black bottom coconut pie while Shane concocted an apple cake with a cheesecake topping. Oh! And Sweetie Marie, granddaughter number three made brownies with a fudge icing. The problem was finding a place to put everything. Did I mention I have a very small house? Not tiny like the trendy kind. But the kind where the laundry room was the only place left to put desserts. The washer and dryer never looked so good! Of course the other daughters filled in with potatoes and dressing and veggies oh my! Black Friday was spent seeing my oldest daughter and her husband off on their fourteen hour journey back to Illinois; then emptying the dishwasher and well… finding things. Considering the house was packed a day earlier with so many people it was hard to find a place to land half a butt cheek, things were surprisingly tidy afterwards. I did have to take out a search for an oven rack. I have no idea how it got there but hey. Who cares! The back deck worked just fine for an oven rack with no where else to go. Family gathered, food was enjoyed, and a good time was had by all. I’m sure David would be proud. I know I am. Nothing says love like the rallying of a bunch of kids taking care of their mama. And that they did. As we look forward to Christmas, let’s hold tightly to the most important things. Which as you know, are not things at all.

Photo by Sweetie Marie with her Poppy’s camera.

By Lynna Clark

“When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” He said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.” -Luke 19:5,6

What a picture! A grown man in a tree. All his accumulated wealth didn’t make him any taller. I feel your pain Zac… well, except for the rich part. There was a time when I loved to climb a good tree. Now I don’t even venture onto a step stool. I’ve been warned. Anyway, I love this little story. What a beautiful picture of the heart of Jesus. Loosely translated He said, Hey buddy! Come down from there! I want to be friends with you too. Let’s go get a little matzah ball soup and get to know each other!

Zac scampered down that tree so fast he probably had bark burns. Then the friendship began. Jesus invites us too. No need to stay in the tree. There’s joy to be had!

Let’s go!

Tree art by John Koch of Ocracoke Island, NC

By Lynna Clark

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls.” -Matthew 11:29

Isn’t it kind that the Lord invites us to be yoked with Him? He actually wants to bear our burdens and give us rest. We are not meant to handle life by ourselves. Back in the days when the nation of Israel was being formed, the Lord gave an unusual command. Exodus 20:8 says to “Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy.” It was to be a day of rest. Pagan nations all around them wondered at their logic. For who sits around on a perfectly good work day when they could be out making hay while the sun shines? But rest and worship by God’s people has always been a testimony of His provision. It is how we learn to trust Him. Watching Him provide has been one of our greatest blessings. In order to experience a deep soul rest, be yoked with Him. He will gladly bear our burdens.

Bonus verse: “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10

By Lyyna Clark

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” -Proverbs 4:23 [Nutshell #3}

In a day when we are bombarded with all manner of influence, how wise is this advice. Refusing to let those negative harmful thoughts become a part of our thinking will set us on a path of joy rather than sorrow; strength rather than pain; and hope rather than despair. Beside this little verse I made a note in my Bible during some very dark days.

“I will not entertain thoughts of suicide or ever go there. I will not crack that door in my thinking.” -my promise to those who love me.

There’s an old 70’s song with the line, “I pushed my soul in a deep dark hole, and then I followed it in“* That’s where I often found myself until I made my promise, wrote it down, and put the date beside it. I will not go there. Whatever your weakness, whether it’s infidelity, anger, negativity or chocolate covered pretzels [you know those Snyder ones with a bit of salt and dark chocolate… speaking for a friend],

Don’t crack that door!

Guard your heart above all else. It’s just wise.

*From Kenny Rogers and the 1st Edition, What condition my condition was in. 1967

By Lynna Clark

For years my tagline has read, “Only a minute, but eternity is in it.” So many times a life changing Truth comes in a tiny golden nugget. For instance, this quote from one of my favorite authors came like a small but delicious caramel. Have you tried those soft ones by Werther’s that are covered in chocolate? Yum. Sorry I can’t share my stash with you, but here’s this.

“Gratitude always leaves us looking at God and away from dread. It does to anxiety what the morning sun does to valley mist. It burns it up.” *

For instance: Instead of dreading the holidays because without David everything will be sad and different, I’ve begun giving thanks for all that the Lord has blessed me with. I’ve found that when I do that, my anxiety is replaced with thoughts of baking pumpkin bread, or making a list of gifts to search out for my loved ones. I didn’t say it was easy. In fact I think it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life. But! I still have so much!

Gratitude: Scripture is so laced with it that I’m having a hard time choosing the best verse. Let’s go with this one:

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” -Colossians 3:17

Your kindness to me during this terrible time of grief has been amazing. Can I ask you for one more thing? Hold my hand and walk with me. Together let’s choose thankfulness over dread, and watch with amazement as God burns away our anxiety like sun on the morning dew.

*God Will Carry You Through by Max Lucado

By Lynna Clark

Oh the stuff I am learning. How to change the water filter… how to empty the vacuum canister… how to take apart the outdoor umbrella base to empty it of water so it doesn’t freeze… All sorts of new tricks. I guess I took for granted many things David did for us; just being the man of the house. Part of it was his way of protecting me from using strength he knew I didn’t have. But mostly he just stayed in behind the stuff that I never thought about. Who knew the vacuum would eventually fill up if no one flipped that little latch so the dust would fall out? Thank the Lord I had sense enough to hold it over the trash can before I tried it. Then our water began tasting like a combination of metal and bleach. And it dawned on me. The filter needs to be changed. Kinda like the box of soda in the fridge which helps keep down odor. It’s supposed to be changed? Huh! Who knew? So I lefty-loosied the filter until my hands gave out. Then realized I had it upside down. So then I righty-tightied it until that sucker popped off and behold! Clean water was mine again! Woohoo! I am woman! Hear me roar! Or something more fitting for a woman of God.

Lest you think I’m a total dingbat, [too late, you say?] I’ve always been in charge of the finances. David never looked at our money or worried about our lack thereof. He knew I’d manage it. Occasionally he’d say, “Stay off Amazon for a while. I might have bought something I’d like to be a surprise.” So I would. I wouldn’t even check my emails until he’d tell me his package had been delivered. He loved surprising me.

There are some things however that can’t be learned, or fixed so far. There was a supermoon a week or so ago. David and I used to step out on the back deck once the moon was above the trees just to enjoy the beauty of it together. He’d gather me in front of him, wrap his big ol’ arms around me and we’d just gaze into the heavens at the Lord’s beautiful handiwork. Eventually he’d kiss me on the head and we’d silently go back inside. I never imagined grieving over checking on the moon by myself. I’m afraid this Christmas will not be the most wonderful time of the year. If I’m being honest, I almost dread it. But then I’m reminded. If he had not loved me so well, I wouldn’t miss him so much.

Fifty three years together. Two years dating plus fifty one married. All that love in exchange for the grief that is mine for now. Not a bad trade-off when I think of it that way. Especially in light of the fact that I’ll see him again in the not too distant future. What a wonderful day that will be! Even better than Christmas.

By Lynna Clark

From the book of Ecclesiastes come these beautiful words:

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and time to gather stones.

A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.”

The writer, King Solomon, son of David goes on to say this. “God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.”

As you know, currently I am in a season of grief. Having lost my beloved David to cancer this summer, I couldn’t imagine ever dancing again. However. I’ve been trying to walk outside around the house in an effort to build up my strength. Yesterday when I finished and came back in to rest, I felt something crawling on my neck. A stink bug was tangled in my hair but just loose enough to explore the outer reaches of its new home. Turns out, it was a time to dance. Darlin’ this granny can move! Even in my dotage, I was able to get back out the door and shake him from my fuzzy head. I’m just glad I didn’t fall and break a hip. Dang stink bug. Apparently one can experience several seasons at once.

I like Solomon’s conclusion. Let’s be intentional to enjoy the life the Lord has blessed us with while we can. It’s full of wonderful joys and as David and I learned rather quickly; it can be gone in an instant. Let’s love while we can, and dance every chance we get.

By Lynna Clark

“Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” -Psalm 127:1

I love home improvement shows. Well, for the most part. If they get all drama-fied I don’t bother. It really aggravates me when they don’t think ahead; Then act all surprised when things don’t work out. I think that’s the gist of the wisdom in Psalm 127 as it applies to building our families. Intentionally ask for and include the Lord’s wisdom in each step. This is a great blueprint for our families in every season.

Bonus verse and one of our favorites: “Through every generation Lord, You have been our Home.” -Psalm 90:1

Also, sorry for the loose application of the letter X. Apparently there were no xylophones used in ancient worship.

Always a project.

By Lynna Clark

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” -Romans 8:28

When we think of work, it typically involves labor of some kind, maybe even something we don’t look forward to. But I LIKE this version of work; the one where the Lord is doing the hard part. Only He can orchestrate the many details of our lives to give a beautiful, positive outcome. When everything comes undone, it is so good to know that He is in charge and I am not.

Bonus verse: Jeremiah 29:11-” For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Currently these two verses have become almost cliche-ish. I don’t love how they’re tossed into our storms like little fix-all life preservers. However, when we take them to heart, fully trusting that the Lord has a plan, everything changes. All the work, all the plans, all the future is in His very capable hands.

“Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are His.” -Psalm 100:3

By Lynna Clark

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” -John 6:47

“Verily” is one of those old fashioned words we don’t use very often… well, maybe never. But it does start with V and works in this context. Back in the 70’s when I first met the Lord, this verse became very special to me. It was explained that “verily” means “truly.” When said back to back it is even more emphatic. The Lord was speaking to me so gently, but with such assurance. “Truly, truly!” Believe this child! Trust Me and become a part of My family.

So I did. And He saved me.

Here’s a picture of me and David a few years later. He is the one who took me to a place where I could hear the Word of God and understand that salvation came “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to God’s mercy.” Fifty years later, we are still skipping through life together. Except for the skipping part. That would not be wise as one of us could fall and break a hip.

Verily, verily I say unto you, trust the God of the universe. He loves you and has covered your sins with the blood of His own dear Son.

Truly!

The rule of thumb is, “The bigger the corsage, the more you are loved.” Apparently I was very very loved. Still am.